OldMatthewMaule，especially，wasknowntohaveaslittlehesitationordifficultyinrisingoutofhisgraveasanordinarymaningettingoutofbed，andwasasoftenseenatmidnightaslivingpeopleatnoonday。Thispestilentwizardinwhomhisjustpunishmentseemedtohavewroughtnomannerofamendmenthadaninveteratehabitofhauntingacertainmansion，styledtheHouseoftheSevenGables，againsttheownerofwhichhepretendedtoholdanunsettledclaimforground-rent。Theghost，itappears，——withthepertinacitywhichwasoneofhisdistinguishingcharacteristicswhilealive，——insistedthathewastherightfulproprietorofthesiteuponwhichthehousestood。Histermswere，thateithertheaforesaidground-rent，fromthedaywhenthecellarbegantobedug，shouldbepaiddown，orthemansionitselfgivenup；elsehe，theghostlycreditor，wouldhavehisfingerinalltheaffairsofthePyncheons，andmakeeverythinggowrongwiththem，thoughitshouldbeathousandyearsafterhisdeath。Itwasawildstory，perhaps，butseemednotaltogethersoincredibletothosewhocouldrememberwhataninflexiblyobstinateoldfellowthiswizardMaulehadbeen。
　　Now，thewizard’sgrandson，theyoungMatthewMauleofourstory，waspopularlysupposedtohaveinheritedsomeofhisancestor’squestionabletraits。Itiswonderfulhowmanyabsurditieswerepromulgatedinreferencetotheyoungman。Hewasfabled，forexample，tohaveastrangepowerofgettingintopeople’sdreams，andregulatingmattersthereaccordingtohisownfancy，prettymuchlikethestage-managerofatheatre。Therewasagreatdealoftalkamongtheneighbors，particularlythepetticoatedones，aboutwhattheycalledthewitchcraftofMaule’seye。Somesaidthathecouldlookintopeople’sminds；others，that，bythemarvellouspowerofthiseye，hecoulddrawpeopleintohisownmind，orsendthem，ifhepleased，todoerrandstohisgrandfather，inthespiritualworld；
　　others，again，thatitwaswhatistermedanEvilEye，andpossessedthevaluablefacultyofblightingcorn，anddryingchildrenintomummieswiththeheartburn。But，afterall，whatworkedmosttotheyoungcarpenter’sdisadvantagewas，first，thereserveandsternnessofhisnaturaldisposition，andnext，thefactofhisnotbeingachurch-communicant，andthesuspicionofhisholdinghereticaltenetsinmattersofreligionandpolity。
　　AfterreceivingMr。Pyncheon’smessage，thecarpentermerelytarriedtofinishasmalljob，whichhehappenedtohaveinhand，andthentookhiswaytowardstheHouseoftheSevenGables。
　　Thisnotededifice，thoughitsstylemightbegettingalittleoutoffashion，wasstillasrespectableafamilyresidenceasthatofanygentlemanintown。Thepresentowner，GervaysePyncheon，wassaidtohavecontractedadisliketothehouse，inconsequenceofashocktohissensibility，inearlychildhood，fromthesuddendeathofhisgrandfather。IntheveryactofrunningtoclimbColonelPyncheon’sknee，theboyhaddiscoveredtheoldPuritantobeacorpse。Onarrivingatmanhood，Mr。PyncheonhadvisitedEngland，wherehemarriedaladyoffortune，andhadsubsequentlyspentmanyyears，partlyinthemothercountry，andpartlyinvariouscitiesonthecontinentofEurope。Duringthisperiod，thefamilymansionhadbeenconsignedtothechargeofakinsman，whowasallowedtomakeithishomeforthetimebeing，inconsiderationofkeepingthepremisesinthoroughrepair。Sofaithfullyhadthiscontractbeenfulfilled，thatnow，asthecarpenterapproachedthehouse，hispractisedeyecoulddetectnothingtocriticiseinitscondition。Thepeaksofthesevengablesroseupsharply；theshingledrooflookedthoroughlywater-tight；andtheglitteringplaster-workentirelycoveredtheexteriorwalls，andsparkledintheOctobersun，asifithadbeennewonlyaweekago。
　　Thehousehadthatpleasantaspectoflifewhichislikethecheeryexpressionofcomfortableactivityinthehumancountenance。
　　Youcouldsee，atonce，thattherewasthestirofalargefamilywithinit。Ahugeloadofoak-woodwaspassingthroughthegateway，towardstheoutbuildingsintherear；thefatcook——orprobablyitmightbethehousekeeper——stoodatthesidedoor，bargainingforsometurkeysandpoultrywhichacountrymanhadbroughtforsale。
　　Nowandthenamaid-servant，neatlydressed，andnowtheshiningsablefaceofaslave，mightbeseenbustlingacrossthewindows，inthelowerpartofthehouse。Atanopenwindowofaroominthesecondstory，hangingoversomepotsofbeautifulanddelicateflowers，——exotics，butwhichhadneverknownamoregenialsunshinethanthatoftheNewEnglandautumn，——wasthefigureofayounglady，anexotic，liketheflowers，andbeautifulanddelicateasthey。Herpresenceimpartedanindescribablegraceandfaintwitcherytothewholeedifice。Inotherrespects，itwasasubstantial，jolly-lookingmansion，andseemedfittobetheresidenceofapatriarch，whomightestablishhisownheadquartersinthefrontgableandassignoneoftheremaindertoeachofhissixchildren，whilethegreatchimneyinthecentreshouldsymbolizetheoldfellow’shospitableheart，whichkeptthemallwarm，andmadeagreatwholeofthesevensmallerones。
　　Therewasaverticalsundialonthefrontgable；andasthecarpenterpassedbeneathit，helookedupandnotedthehour。
　　"Threeo’clock！"saidhetohimself。"MyfathertoldmethatdialwasputuponlyanhourbeforetheoldColonel’sdeath。Howtrulyithaskepttimetheseseven-and-thirtyyearspast！Theshadowcreepsandcreeps，andisalwayslookingovertheshoulderofthesunshine！"
　　Itmighthavebefittedacraftsman，likeMatthewMaule，onbeingsentfortoagentleman’shouse，togotothebackdoor，whereservantsandwork-peoplewereusuallyadmitted；oratleasttothesideentrance，wherethebetterclassoftradesmenmadeapplication。Butthecarpenterhadagreatdealofprideandstiffnessinhisnature；and，atthismoment，moreover，hisheartwasbitterwiththesenseofhereditarywrong，becauseheconsideredthegreatPyncheonHousetobestandingonsoilwhichshouldhavebeenhisown。Onthisverysite，besideaspringofdeliciouswater，hisgrandfatherhadfelledthepine-treesandbuiltacottage，inwhichchildrenhadbeenborntohim；anditwasonlyfromadeadman’sstiffenedfingersthatColonelPyncheonhadwrestedawaythetitle-deeds。SoyoungMaulewentstraighttotheprincipalentrance，beneathaportalofcarvedoak，andgavesuchapealoftheironknockerthatyouwouldhaveimaginedthesternoldwizardhimselftobestandingatthethreshold。
　　BlackScipioansweredthesummonsinaprodigious，hurry；butshowedthewhitesofhiseyesinamazementonbeholdingonlythecarpenter。
　　"Lord-a-mercy！whatagreatmanhebe，thiscarpenterfellow。"
　　mumbledScipio，downinhisthroat。"Anybodythinkhebeatonthedoorwithhisbiggesthammer！"
　　"HereIam！"saidMaulesternly。"Showmethewaytoyourmaster’sparlor。"
　　Ashesteptintothehouse，anoteofsweetandmelancholymusicthrilledandvibratedalongthepassage-way，proceedingfromoneoftheroomsabovestairs。ItwastheharpsichordwhichAlicePyncheonhadbroughtwithherfrombeyondthesea。ThefairAlicebestowedmostofhermaidenleisurebetweenflowersandmusic，althoughtheformerwereapttodroop，andthemelodieswereoftensad。Shewasofforeigneducation，andcouldnottakekindlytotheNewEnglandmodesoflife，inwhichnothingbeautifulhadeverbeendeveloped。
　　AsMr。PyncheonhadbeenimpatientlyawaitingMaule’sarrival，blackScipio，ofcourse，lostnotimeinusheringthecarpenterintohismaster’spresence。Theroominwhichthisgentlemansatwasaparlorofmoderatesize，lookingoutuponthegardenofthehouse，andhavingitswindowspartlyshadowedbythefoliageoffruit-trees。ItwasMr。Pyncheon’speculiarapartment，andwasprovidedwithfurniture，inanelegantandcostlystyle，principallyfromParis；thefloorwhichwasunusualatthatday
　　beingcoveredwithacarpet，soskilfullyandrichlywroughtthatitseemedtoglowaswithlivingflowers。Inonecornerstoodamarblewoman，towhomherownbeautywasthesoleandsufficientgarment。Somepictures——thatlookedold，andhadamellowtingediffusedthroughalltheirartfulsplendor——hungonthewalls。Nearthefireplacewasalargeandverybeautifulcabinetofebony，inlaidwithivory；apieceofantiquefurniture，whichMr。PyncheonhadboughtinVenice，andwhichheusedasthetreasure-placeformedals，ancientcoins，andwhateversmallandvaluablecuriositieshehadpickeduponhistravels。
　　Throughallthisvarietyofdecoration，however，theroomshoweditsoriginalcharacteristics；itslowstud，itscross-beam，itschimney-piece，withtheold-fashionedDutchtiles；sothatitwastheemblemofamindindustriouslystoredwithforeignideas，andelaboratedintoartificialrefinement，butneitherlarger，nor，initsproperself，moreelegantthanbefore。
　　Thereweretwoobjectsthatappearedratheroutofplaceinthisveryhandsomelyfurnishedroom。Onewasalargemap，orsurveyor’splan，ofatractofland，whichlookedasifithadbeendrawnagoodmanyyearsago，andwasnowdingywithsmoke，andsoiled，hereandthere，withthetouchoffingers。Theotherwasaportraitofasternoldman，inaPuritangarb，paintedroughly，butwithaboldeffect，andaremarkablystrongexpressionofcharacter。
　　Atasmalltable，beforeafireofEnglishsea-coal，satMr。
　　Pyncheon，sippingcoffee，whichhadgrowntobeaveryfavoritebeveragewithhiminFrance。Hewasamiddle-agedandreallyhandsomeman，withawigflowingdownuponhisshoulders；hiscoatwasofbluevelvet，withlaceonthebordersandatthebutton-holes；
　　andthefirelightglistenedonthespaciousbreadthofhiswaistcoat，whichwasfloweredalloverwithgold。OntheentranceofScipio，usheringinthecarpenter，Mr。Pyncheonturnedpartlyround，butresumedhisformerposition，andproceededdeliberatelytofinishhiscupofcoffee，withoutimmediatenoticeoftheguestwhomhehadsummonedtohispresence。Itwasnotthatheintendedanyrudenessorimproperneglect，——which，indeed，hewouldhaveblushedtobeguiltyof，——butitneveroccurredtohimthatapersoninMaule’sstationhadaclaimonhiscourtesy，orwouldtroublehimselfaboutitonewayortheother。
　　Thecarpenter，however，steppedatoncetothehearth，andturnedhimselfabout，soastolookMr。Pyncheonintheface。
　　"Yousentforme，"saidhe。"Bepleasedtoexplainyourbusiness，thatImaygobacktomyownaffairs。"
　　"Ah！excuseme，"saidMr。Pyncheonquietly。"Ididnotmeantotaxyourtimewithoutarecompense。Yourname，Ithink，isMaule，——ThomasorMatthewMaule，——asonorgrandsonofthebuilderofthishouse？"
　　"MatthewMaule，"repliedthecarpenter，——"sonofhimwhobuiltthehouse，——grandsonoftherightfulproprietorofthesoil。"
　　"Iknowthedisputetowhichyouallude，"observedMr。Pyncheonwithundisturbedequanimity。"Iamwellawarethatmygrandfatherwascompelledtoresorttoasuitatlaw，inordertoestablishhisclaimtothefoundation-siteofthisedifice。Wewillnot，ifyouplease，renewthediscussion。Thematterwassettledatthetime，andbythecompetentauthorities，——equitably，itistobepresumed，——and，atallevents，irrevocably。Yet，singularlyenough，thereisanincidentalreferencetothisverysubjectinwhatIamnowabouttosaytoyou。Andthissameinveterategrudge，——excuseme，Imeannooffence，——thisirritability，whichyouhavejustshown，isnotentirelyasidefromthematter。"
　　"Ifyoucanfindanythingforyourpurpose，Mr。Pyncheon，"saidthecarpenter，"inaman’snaturalresentmentforthewrongsdonetohisblood，youarewelcometoit。"
　　"Itakeyouatyourword，GoodmanMaule，"saidtheowneroftheSevenGables，withasmile，"andwillproceedtosuggestamodeinwhichyourhereditaryresentments——justifiableorotherwise——mayhavehadabearingonmyaffairs。Youhaveheard，Isuppose，thatthePyncheonfamily，eversincemygrandfather’sdays，havebeenprosecutingastillunsettledclaimtoaverylargeextentofterritoryattheEastward？"
　　"Often，"repliedMaule，——anditissaidthatasmilecameoverhisface，——"veryoften，——frommyfather！"
　　"Thisclaim，"continuedMr。Pyncheon，afterpausingamoment，asiftoconsiderwhatthecarpenter’ssmilemightmean，"appearedtobeontheveryvergeofasettlementandfullallowance，attheperiodofmygrandfather’sdecease。Itwaswellknown，tothoseinhisconfidence，thatheanticipatedneitherdifficultynordelay。Now，ColonelPyncheon，Ineedhardlysay，wasapracticalman，wellacquaintedwithpublicandprivatebusiness，andnotatallthepersontocherishill-foundedhopes，ortoattemptthefollowingoutofanimpracticablescheme。Itisobvioustoconclude，therefore，thathehadgrounds，notapparenttohisheirs，forhisconfidentanticipationofsuccessinthematterofthisEasternclaim。Inaword，Ibelieve，——andmylegaladviserscoincideinthebelief，which，moreover，isauthorized，toacertainextent，bythefamilytraditions，——thatmygrandfatherwasinpossessionofsomedeed，orotherdocument，essentialtothisclaim，butwhichhassincedisappeared。"
　　"Verylikely，"saidMatthewMaule，——andagain，itissaid，therewasadarksmileonhisface，——"butwhatcanapoorcarpenterhavetodowiththegrandaffairsofthePyncheonfamily？"
　　"Perhapsnothing，"returnedMr。Pyncheon，"possiblymuch！"
　　HereensuedagreatmanywordsbetweenMatthewMauleandtheproprietoroftheSevenGables，onthesubjectwhichthelatterhadthusbroached。ItseemsalthoughMr。Pyncheonhadsomehesitationinreferringtostoriessoexceedinglyabsurdintheiraspectthatthepopularbeliefpointedtosomemysteriousconnectionanddependence，existingbetweenthefamilyoftheMaulesandthesevastunrealizedpossessionsofthePyncheons。
　　Itwasanordinarysayingthattheoldwizard，hangedthoughhewas，hadobtainedthebestendofthebargaininhiscontestwithColonelPyncheon；inasmuchashehadgotpossessionofthegreatEasternclaim，inexchangeforanacreortwoofgarden-ground。
　　Averyagedwoman，recentlydead，hadoftenusedthemetaphoricalexpression，inherfiresidetalk，thatmilesandmilesofthePyncheonlandshadbeenshovelledintoMaule’sgrave；which，bythebye，wasbutaveryshallownook，betweentworocks，nearthesummitofGallowsHill。Again，whenthelawyersweremakinginquiryforthemissingdocument，itwasaby-wordthatitwouldneverbefound，unlessinthewizard’sskeletonhand。Somuchweighthadtheshrewdlawyersassignedtothesefables，thatbutMr。Pyncheondidnotseefittoinformthecarpenterofthefact
　　theyhadsecretlycausedthewizard’sgravetobesearched。Nothingwasdiscovered，however，exceptthat，unaccountably，therighthandoftheskeletonwasgone。
　　Now，whatwasunquestionablyimportant，aportionofthesepopularrumorscouldbetraced，thoughratherdoubtfullyandindistinctly，tochancewordsandobscurehintsoftheexecutedwizard’sson，andthefatherofthispresentMatthewMaule。AndhereMr。Pyncheoncouldbringanitemofhisownpersonalevidenceintoplay。Thoughbutachildatthetime，heeitherrememberedorfanciedthatMatthew’sfatherhadhadsomejobtoperformonthedaybefore，orpossiblytheverymorningoftheColonel’sdecease，intheprivateroomwhereheandthecarpenterwereatthismomenttalking。CertainpapersbelongingtoColonelPyncheon，ashisgrandsondistinctlyrecollected，hadbeenspreadoutonthetable。
　　MatthewMauleunderstoodtheinsinuatedsuspicion。
　　"Myfather，"hesaid，——butstilltherewasthatdarksmile，makingariddleofhiscountenance，——"myfatherwasanhonestermanthanthebloodyoldColonel！Nottogethisrightsbackagainwouldhehavecarriedoffoneofthosepapers！"
　　"Ishallnotbandywordswithyou，"observedtheforeign-bredMr。Pyncheon，withhaughtycomposure。"Norwillitbecomemetoresentanyrudenesstowardseithermygrandfatherormyself。
　　Agentleman，beforeseekingintercoursewithapersonofyourstationandhabits，willfirstconsiderwhethertheurgencyoftheendmaycompensateforthedisagreeablenessofthemeans。
　　Itdoessointhepresentinstance。"
　　Hethenrenewedtheconversation，andmadegreatpecuniaryofferstothecarpenter，incasethelattershouldgiveinformationleadingtothediscoveryofthelostdocument，andtheconsequentsuccessoftheEasternclaim。ForalongtimeMatthewMauleissaidtohaveturnedacoldeartothesepropositions。Atlast，however，withastrangekindoflaugh，heinquiredwhetherMr。
　　Pyncheonwouldmakeovertohimtheoldwizard’shomestead-ground，togetherwiththeHouseoftheSevenGables，nowstandingonit，inrequitalofthedocumentaryevidencesourgentlyrequired。
　　Thewild，chimney-cornerlegendwhich，withoutcopyingallitsextravagances，mynarrativeessentiallyfollowsheregivesanaccountofsomeverystrangebehavioronthepartofColonelPyncheon’sportrait。Thispicture，itmustbeunderstood，wassupposedtobesointimatelyconnectedwiththefateofthehouse，andsomagicallybuiltintoitswalls，that，ifonceitshouldberemoved，thatveryinstantthewholeedificewouldcomethunderingdowninaheapofdustyruin。AllthroughtheforegoingconversationbetweenMr。Pyncheonandthecarpenter，theportraithadbeenfrowning，clenchingitsfist，andgivingmanysuchproofsofexcessivediscomposure，butwithoutattractingthenoticeofeitherofthetwocolloquists。Andfinally，atMatthewMaule’saudacioussuggestionofatransferoftheseven-gabledstructure，theghostlyportraitisaverredtohavelostallpatience，andtohaveshownitselfonthepointofdescendingbodilyfromitsframe。Butsuchincredibleincidentsaremerelytobementionedaside。
　　"Giveupthishouse！"exclaimedMr。Pyncheon，inamazementattheproposal。"WereItodoso，mygrandfatherwouldnotrestquietinhisgrave！"
　　"Heneverhas，ifallstoriesaretrue，"remarkedthecarpentercomposedly。"ButthatmatterconcernshisgrandsonmorethanitdoesMatthewMaule。Ihavenoothertermstopropose。"
　　ImpossibleasheatfirstthoughtittocomplywithMaule’sconditions，still，onasecondglance，Mr。Pyncheonwasofopinionthattheymightatleastbemadematterofdiscussion。
　　Hehimselfhadnopersonalattachmentforthehouse，noranypleasantassociationsconnectedwithhischildishresidenceinit。
　　Onthecontrary，afterseven-and-thirtyyears，thepresenceofhisdeadgrandfatherseemedstilltopervadeit，asonthatmorningwhentheaffrightedboyhadbeheldhim，withsoghastlyanaspect，stiffeninginhischair。Hislongabodeinforeignparts，moreover，andfamiliaritywithmanyofthecastlesandancestralhallsofEngland，andthemarblepalacesofItaly，hadcausedhimtolookcontemptuouslyattheHouseoftheSevenGables，whetherinpointofsplendororconvenience。ItwasamansionexceedinglyinadequatetothestyleoflivingwhichitwouldbeincumbentonMr。Pyncheontosupport，afterrealizinghisterritorialrights。Hisstewardmightdeigntooccupyit，butnever，certainly，thegreatlandedproprietorhimself。Intheeventofsuccess，indeed，itwashispurposetoreturntoEngland；nor，tosaythetruth，wouldherecentlyhavequittedthatmorecongenialhome，hadnothisownfortune，aswellashisdeceasedwife’s，beguntogivesymptomsofexhaustion。TheEasternclaimoncefairlysettled，andputuponthefirmbasisofactualpossession，Mr。Pyncheon’sproperty——tobemeasuredbymiles，notacres——wouldbeworthanearldom，andwouldreasonablyentitlehimtosolicit，orenablehimtopurchase，thatelevateddignityfromtheBritishmonarch。LordPyncheon！——ortheEarlofWaldo！——howcouldsuchamagnatebeexpectedtocontracthisgrandeurwithinthepitifulcompassofsevenshingledgables？
　　Inshort，onanenlargedviewofthebusiness，thecarpenter’stermsappearedsoridiculouslyeasythatMr。Pyncheoncouldscarcelyforbearlaughinginhisface。Hewasquiteashamed，aftertheforegoingreflections，toproposeanydiminutionofsomoderatearecompensefortheimmenseservicetoberendered。
　　"Iconsenttoyourproposition，Maule，"criedhe。"Putmeinpossessionofthedocumentessentialtoestablishmyrights，andtheHouseoftheSevenGablesisyourown！"
　　Accordingtosomeversionsofthestory，aregularcontracttotheaboveeffectwasdrawnupbyalawyer，andsignedandsealedinthepresenceofwitnesses。OtherssaythatMatthewMaulewascontentedwithaprivatewrittenagreement，inwhichMr。Pyncheonpledgedhishonorandintegritytothefulfillmentofthetermsconcludedupon。Thegentlemanthenorderedwine，whichheandthecarpenterdranktogether，inconfirmationoftheirbargain。
　　Duringthewholeprecedingdiscussionandsubsequentformalities，theoldPuritan’sportraitseemstohavepersistedinitsshadowygesturesofdisapproval；butwithouteffect，exceptthat，asMr。
　　Pyncheonsetdowntheemptiedglass，hethoughtbebeheldhisgrandfatherfrown。
　　"Thissherryistoopotentawineforme；ithasaffectedmybrainalready，"heobserved，afterasomewhatstartledlookatthepicture。
　　"OnreturningtoEurope，IshallconfinemyselftothemoredelicatevintagesofItalyandFrance，thebestofwhichwillnotbeartransportation。"
　　"MyLordPyncheonmaydrinkwhatwinehewill，andwhereverhepleases，"repliedthecarpenter，asifhehadbeenprivytoMr。
　　Pyncheon’sambitiousprojects。"Butfirst，sir，ifyoudesiretidingsofthislostdocument，ImustcravethefavorofalittletalkwithyourfairdaughterAlice。"
　　"Youaremad，Maule！"exclaimedMr。Pyncheonhaughtily；andnow，atlast，therewasangermixedupwithhispride。"Whatcanmydaughterhavetodowithabusinesslikethis？"
　　Indeed，atthisnewdemandonthecarpenter’spart，theproprietoroftheSevenGableswasevenmorethunder-struckthanatthecoolpropositiontosurrenderhishouse。Therewas，atleast，anassignablemotiveforthefirststipulation；thereappearedtobenonewhateverforthelast。Nevertheless，MatthewMaulesturdilyinsistedontheyoungladybeingsummoned，andevengaveherfathertounderstand，inamysteriouskindofexplanation，——whichmadethematterconsiderablydarkerthanitlookedbefore，——thattheonlychanceofacquiringtherequisiteknowledgewasthroughtheclear，crystalmediumofapureandvirginintelligence，likethatofthefairAlice。NottoencumberourstorywithMr。Pyncheon’sscruples，whetherofconscience，pride，orfatherlyaffection，heatlengthorderedhisdaughtertobecalled。Hewellknewthatshewasinherchamber，andengagedinnooccupationthatcouldnotreadilybelaidaside；for，asithappened，eversinceAlice’snamehadbeenspoken，bothherfatherandthecarpenterhadheardthesadandsweetmusicofherharpsichord，andtheairiermelancholyofheraccompanyingvoice。
　　SoAlicePyncheonwassummoned，andappeared。Aportraitofthisyounglady，paintedbyaVenetianartist，andleftbyherfatherinEngland，issaidtohavefallenintothehandsofthepresentDukeofDevonshire，andtobenowpreservedatChatsworth；notonaccountofanyassociationswiththeoriginal，butforitsvalueasapicture，andthehighcharacterofbeautyinthecountenance。
　　Ifevertherewasaladyborn，andsetapartfromtheworld’svulgarmassbyacertaingentleandcoldstateliness，itwasthisveryAlicePyncheon。Yettherewasthewomanlymixtureinher；thetenderness，or，atleast，thetendercapabilities。Forthesakeofthatredeemingquality，amanofgenerousnaturewouldhaveforgivenallherpride，andhavebeencontent，almost，toliedowninherpath，andletAlicesetherslenderfootuponhisheart。Allthathewouldhaverequiredwassimplytheacknowledgmentthathewasindeedaman，andafellow-being，mouldedofthesameelementsasshe。
　　AsAlicecameintotheroom，hereyesfelluponthecarpenter，whowasstandingnearitscentre，cladingreenwoollenjacket，apairofloosebreeches，openattheknees，andwithalongpocketforhisrule，theendofwhichprotruded；itwasasproperamarkoftheartisan’scallingasMr。Pyncheon’sfull-dressswordofthatgentleman’saristocraticpretensions。AglowofartisticapprovalbrightenedoverAlicePyncheon’sface；shewasstruckwithadmiration——whichshemadenoattempttoconceal——oftheremarkablecomeliness，strength，andenergyofMaule’sfigure。
　　Butthatadmiringglancewhichmostothermen，perhaps，wouldhavecherishedasasweetrecollectionallthroughlifethecarpenterneverforgave。ItmusthavebeenthedevilhimselfthatmadeMaulesosubtileinhispreception。
　　"DoesthegirllookatmeasifIwereabrutebeast？"thoughthe，settinghisteeth。"SheshallknowwhetherIhaveahumanspirit；
　　andtheworseforher，ifitprovestrongerthanherown！"
　　"Myfather，yousentforme，"saidAlice，inhersweetandharp-likevoice。"But，ifyouhavebusinesswiththisyoungman，prayletmegoagain。YouknowIdonotlovethisroom，inspiteofthatClaude，withwhichyoutrytobringbacksunnyrecollections。"
　　"Stayamoment，younglady，ifyouplease！"saidMatthewMaule。
　　"Mybusinesswithyourfatherisover。Withyourself，itisnowtobegin！"
　　Alicelookedtowardsherfather，insurpriseandinquiry。
　　"Yes，Alice，"saidMr。Pyncheon，withsomedisturbanceandconfusion。"Thisyoungman——hisnameisMatthewMaule——professes，sofarasIcanunderstandhim，tobeabletodiscover，throughyourmeans，acertainpaperorparchment，whichwasmissinglongbeforeyourbirth。Theimportanceofthedocumentinquestionrendersitadvisabletoneglectnopossible，evenifimprobable，methodofregainingit。Youwillthereforeobligeme，mydearAlice，byansweringthisperson’sinquiries，andcomplyingwithhislawfulandreasonablerequests，sofarastheymayappeartohavetheaforesaidobjectinview。AsIshallremainintheroom，youneedapprehendnorudenorunbecomingdeportment，ontheyoungman’spart；and，atyourslightestwish，ofcourse，theinvestigation，orwhateverwemaycallit，shallimmediatelybebrokenoff。"
　　"MistressAlicePyncheon，"remarkedMatthewMaule，withtheutmostdeference，butyetahalf-hiddensarcasminhislookandtone，"willnodoubtfeelherselfquitesafeinherfather’spresence，andunderhisall-sufficientprotection。"
　　"Icertainlyshallentertainnomannerofapprehension，withmyfatherathand，"saidAlicewithmaidenlydignity。"NeitherdoI
　　conceivethatalady，whiletruetoherself，canhaveaughttofearfromwhomsoever，orinanycircumstances！"
　　PoorAlice！Bywhatunhappyimpulsedidshethusputherselfatonceontermsofdefianceagainstastrengthwhichshecouldnotestimate？
　　"Then，MistressAlice，"saidMatthewMaule，handingachair，——gracefullyenough，foracraftsman，"willitpleaseyouonlytositdown，anddomethefavorthoughaltogetherbeyondapoorcarpenter’sdesertstofixyoureyesonmine！"
　　Alicecomplied，Shewasveryproud。Settingasidealladvantagesofrank，thisfairgirldeemedherselfconsciousofapower——combinedofbeauty，high，unsulliedpurity，andthepreservativeforceofwomanhood——thatcouldmakehersphereimpenetrable，unlessbetrayedbytreacherywithin。Sheinstinctivelyknew，itmaybe，thatsomesinisterorevilpotencywasnowstrivingtopassherbarriers；norwouldshedeclinethecontest。SoAliceputwoman’smightagainstman’smight；amatchnotoftenequalonthepartofwoman。
　　Herfathermeanwhilehadturnedaway，andseemedabsorbedinthecontemplationofalandscapebyClaude，whereashadowyandsun-streakedvistapenetratedsoremotelyintoanancientwood，thatitwouldhavebeennowonderifhisfancyhadlostitselfinthepicture’sbewilderingdepths。But，intruth，thepicturewasnomoretohimatthatmomentthantheblankwallagainstwhichithung。Hismindwashauntedwiththemanyandstrangetaleswhichhehadheard，attributingmysteriousifnotsupernaturalendowmentstotheseMaules，aswellthegrandsonherepresentashistwoimmediateancestors。Mr。Pyncheon’slongresidenceabroad，andintercoursewithmenofwitandfashion，——courtiers，worldings，andfree-thinkers，——haddonemuchtowardsobliteratingthegrimPuritansuperstitions，whichnomanofNewEnglandbirthatthatearlyperiodcouldentirelyescape。But，ontheotherhand，hadnotawholeCommunitybelievedMaule’sgrandfathertobeawizard？Hadnotthecrimebeenproved？Hadnotthewizarddiedforit？HadhenotbequeathedalegacyofhatredagainstthePyncheonstothisonlygrandson，who，asitappeared，wasnowabouttoexerciseasubtleinfluenceoverthedaughterofhisenemy’shouse？Mightnotthisinfluencebethesamethatwascalledwitchcraft？
　　Turninghalfaround，hecaughtaglimpseofMaule’sfigureinthelooking-glass。AtsomepacesfromAlice，withhisarmsupliftedintheair，thecarpentermadeagestureasifdirectingdownwardaslow，ponderous，andinvisibleweightuponthemaiden。
　　"Stay，Maule！"exclaimedMr。Pyncheon，steppingforward。"Iforbidyourproceedingfurther！"
　　"Pray，mydearfather，donotinterrupttheyoungman，"saidAlice，withoutchangingherposition。"Hisefforts，Iassureyou，willproveveryharmless。"
　　AgainMr。PyncheonturnedhiseyestowardstheClaude。Itwasthenhisdaughter’swill，inoppositiontohisown，thattheexperimentshouldbefullytried。Henceforth，therefore，hedidbutconsent，noturgeit。Andwasitnotforhersakefarmorethanforhisownthathedesireditssuccess？Thatlostparchmentoncerestored，thebeautifulAlicePyncheon，withtherichdowrywhichhecouldthenbestow，mightwedanEnglishdukeoraGermanreigning-prince，insteadofsomeNewEnglandclergymanorlawyer！Atthethought，theambitiousfatheralmostconsented，inhisheart，that，ifthedevil’spowerwereneededtotheaccomplishmentofthisgreatobject，Maulemightevokehim。Alice’sownpuritywouldbehersafeguard。
　　Withhismindfullofimaginarymagnificence，Mr。Pyncheonheardahalf-utteredexclamationfromhisdaughter。Itwasveryfaintandlow；soindistinctthatthereseemedbuthalfawilltoshapeoutthewords，andtooundefinedapurporttobeintelligible。
　　Yetitwasacallforhelp！——hisconscienceneverdoubtedit；——and，littlemorethanawhispertohisear，itwasadismalshriek，andlongreechoedso，intheregionroundhisheart！Butthistimethefatherdidnotturn。
　　Afterafurtherinterval，Maulespoke。
　　"Beholdyourdaughter。"saidhe。
　　Mr。Pyncheoncamehastilyforward。ThecarpenterwasstandingerectinfrontofAlice’schair，andpointinghisfingertowardsthemaidenwithanexpressionoftriumphantpower，thelimitsofwhichcouldnotbedefined，as，indeed，itsscopestretchedvaguelytowardstheunseenandtheinfinite。Alicesatinanattitudeofprofoundrepose，withthelongbrownlashesdroopingoverhereyes。
　　"Theresheis！"saidthecarpenter。"Speaktoher！"
　　"Alice！Mydaughter！"exclaimedMr。Pyncheon。"MyownAlice！"
　　Shedidnotstir。
　　"Louder！"saidMaule，smiling。
　　"Alice！Awake！"criedherfather。"Ittroublesmetoseeyouthus！Awake！"
　　Hespokeloudly，withterrorinhisvoice，andclosetothatdelicateearwhichhadalwaysbeensosensitivetoeverydiscord。
　　Butthesoundevidentlyreachedhernot。Itisindescribablewhatasenseofremote，dim，unattainabledistancebetwixthimselfandAlicewasimpressedonthefatherbythisimpossibilityofreachingherwithhisvoice。
　　"Besttouchher"saidMatthewMaule"Shakethegirl，androughly，too！Myhandsarehardenedwithtoomuchuseofaxe，saw，andplane，——elseImighthelpyou！"
　　Mr。Pyncheontookherhand，andpresseditwiththeearnestnessofstartledemotion。Hekissedher，withsogreataheart-throbinthekiss，thathethoughtshemustneedsfeelit。Then，inagustofangeratherinsensibility，heshookhermaidenformwithaviolencewhich，thenextmoment，itaffrightedhimtoremember。Hewithdrewhisencirclingarms，andAlice——whosefigure，thoughflexible，hadbeenwhollyimpassive——relapsedintothesameattitudeasbeforetheseattemptstoarouseher。Maulehavingshiftedhisposition，herfacewasturnedtowardshimslightly，butwithwhatseemedtobeareferenceofherveryslumbertohisguidance。
　　Thenitwasastrangesighttobeholdhowthemanofconventionalitiesshookthepowderoutofhisperiwig；howthereservedandstatelygentlemanforgothisdignity；howthegold-embroideredwaistcoatflickeredandglistenedinthefirelightwiththeconvulsionofrage，terror，andsorrowinthehumanheartthatwasbeatingunderit。
　　"Villain！"criedMr。Pyncheon，shakinghisclenchedfistatMaule。
　　"Youandthefiendtogetherhaverobbedmeofmydaughter。Giveherback，spawnoftheoldwizard，oryoushallclimbGallowsHillinyourgrandfather’sfootsteps！"
　　"Softly，Mr。Pyncheon！"saidthecarpenterwithscornfulcomposure。"Softly，anitpleaseyourworship，elseyouwillspoilthoserichlacerufflesatyourwrists！Isitmycrimeifyouhavesoldyourdaughterforthemerehopeofgettingasheetofyellowparchmentintoyourclutch？TheresitsMistressAlicequietlyasleep。NowletMatthewMauletrywhethershebeasproudasthecarpenterfoundherawhilesince。"
　　Hespoke，andAliceresponded，withasoft，subdued，inwardacquiescence，andabendingofherformtowardshim，liketheflameofatorchwhenitindicatesagentledraughtofair。
　　Hebeckonedwithhishand，and，risingfromherchair，——blindly，butundoubtingly，astendingtohersureandinevitablecentre，——theproudAliceapproachedhim。Hewavedherback，and，retreating，Alicesankagainintoherseat。
　　"Sheismine！"saidMatthewMaule。"Mine，bytherightofthestrongestspirit！"
　　Inthefurtherprogressofthelegend，thereisalong，grotesque，andoccasionallyawe-strikingaccountofthecarpenter’sincantationsifsotheyaretobecalled，withaviewofdiscoveringthelostdocument。ItappearstohavebeenhisobjecttoconvertthemindofAliceintoakindoftelescopicmedium，throughwhichMr。Pyncheonandhimselfmightobtainaglimpseintothespiritualworld。
　　Hesucceeded，accordingly，inholdinganimperfectsortofintercourse，atoneremove，withthedepartedpersonagesinwhosecustodythesomuchvaluedsecrethadbeencarriedbeyondtheprecinctsofearth。
　　Duringhertrance，Alicedescribedthreefiguresasbeingpresenttoherspiritualizedperception。Onewasanaged，dignified，stern-lookinggentleman，cladasforasolemnfestivalingraveandcostlyattire，butwithagreatbloodstainonhisrichlywroughtband；thesecond，anagedman，meanlydressed，withadarkandmaligncountenance，andabrokenhalterabouthisneck；
　　thethird，apersonnotsoadvancedinlifeastheformertwo，butbeyondthemiddleage，wearingacoarsewoollentunicandleatherbreeches，andwithacarpenter’srulestickingoutofhissidepocket。Thesethreevisionarycharacterspossessedamutualknowledgeofthemissingdocument。Oneofthem，intruth，——itwashewiththeblood-stainonhisband，——seemed，unlesshisgesturesweremisunderstood，toholdtheparchmentinhisimmediatekeeping，butwaspreventedbyhistwopartnersinthemysteryfromdisburdeninghimselfofthetrust。Finally，whenheshowedapurposeofshoutingforththesecretloudlyenoughtobeheardfromhisownsphereintothatofmortals，hiscompanionsstruggledwithhim，andpressedtheirhandsoverhismouth；andforthwith——whetherthathewerechokedbyit，orthatthesecretitselfwasofacrimsonhue——therewasafreshflowofblooduponhisband。
　　Uponthis，thetwomeanlydressedfiguresmockedandjeeredatthemuch-abashedolddignitary，andpointedtheirfingersatthestain。
　　Atthisjuncture，MauleturnedtoMr。Pyncheon。
　　"Itwillneverbeallowed，"saidhe。"Thecustodyofthissecret，thatwouldsoenrichhisheirs，makespartofyourgrandfather’sretribution。Hemustchokewithituntilitisnolongerofanyvalue。AndkeepyoutheHouseoftheSevenGables！Itistoodearboughtaninheritance，andtooheavywiththecurseuponit，tobeshiftedyetawhilefromtheColonel’sposterity。"
　　Mr。Pyncheontriedtospeak，but——whatwithfearandpassion——couldmakeonlyagurglingmurmurinhisthroat。Thecarpentersmiled。
　　"Aha，worshipfulsir！——soyouhaveoldMaule’sbloodtodrink！"
　　saidhejeeringly。
　　"Fiendinman’sshape！whydostthoukeepdominionovermychild？"
　　criedMr。Pyncheon，whenhischokedutterancecouldmakeway。"Givemebackmydaughter。Thengothyways；andmaywenevermeetagain！"
　　"Yourdaughter！"saidMatthewMaule。"Why，sheisfairlymine！
　　Nevertheless，nottobetoohardwithfairMistressAlice，Iwillleaveherinyourkeeping；butIdonotwarrantyouthatsheshallneverhaveoccasiontorememberMaule，thecarpenter。"
　　Hewavedhishandswithanupwardmotion；and，afterafewrepetitionsofsimilargestures，thebeautifulAlicePyncheonawokefromherstrangetrance。Sheawokewithouttheslightestrecollectionofhervisionaryexperience；butasonelosingherselfinamomentaryreverie，andreturningtotheconsciousnessofactuallife，inalmostasbriefanintervalasthedown-sinkingflameofthehearthshouldquiveragainupthechimney。OnrecognizingMatthewMaule，sheassumedanairofsomewhatcoldbutgentledignity，therather，astherewasacertainpeculiarsmileonthecarpenter’svisagethatstirredthenativeprideofthefairAlice。Soended，forthattime，thequestforthelosttitle-deedofthePyncheonterritoryattheEastward；nor，thoughoftensubsequentlyrenewed，hasiteveryetbefallenaPyncheontosethiseyeuponthatparchment。
　　But，alasforthebeautiful，thegentle，yettoohaughtyAlice！
　　Apowerthatshelittledreamedofhadlaiditsgraspuponhermaidensoul。Awill，mostunlikeherown，constrainedhertodoitsgrotesqueandfantasticbidding。Herfatherasitproved，hadmartyredhispoorchildtoaninordinatedesireformeasuringhislandbymilesinsteadofacres。And，therefore，whileAlicePyncheonlived，shewasMaule’sslave，inabondagemorehumiliating，athousand-fold，thanthatwhichbindsitschainaroundthebody。
　　Seatedbyhishumblefireside，Maulehadbuttowavehishand；and，wherevertheproudladychancedtobe，——whetherinherchamber，orentertainingherfather’sstatelyguests，orworshippingatchurch，——whateverherplaceoroccupation，herspiritpassedfrombeneathherowncontrol，andboweditselftoMaule。"Alice，laugh！"——thecarpenter，besidehishearth，wouldsay；orperhapsintenselywillit，withoutaspokenword。And，evenwereitprayer-time，oratafuneral，Alicemustbreakintowildlaughter。"Alice，besad！"——and，attheinstant，downwouldcomehertears，quenchingallthemirthofthosearoundherlikesuddenrainuponabonfire。"Alice，dance。"——
　　anddanceshewould，notinsuchcourt-likemeasuresasshehadlearnedabroad，butSomehigh-pacedjig，orhop-skiprigadoon，befittingthebrisklassesatarusticmerry-making。ItseemedtobeMaule’simpulse，nottoruinAlice，nortovisitherwithanyblackorgiganticmischief，whichwouldhavecrownedhersorrowswiththegraceoftragedy，buttowreakalow，ungenerousscornuponher。Thusallthedignityoflifewaslost。Shefeltherselftoomuchabased，andlongedtochangenatureswithsomeworm！
　　Oneevening，atabridalpartybutnotherown；for，solostfromself-control，shewouldhavedeemeditsintomarry，poorAlicewasbeckonedforthbyherunseendespot，andconstrained，inhergossamerwhitedressandsatinslippers，tohastenalongthestreettothemeandwellingofalaboring-man。Therewaslaughterandgoodcheerwithin；forMatthewMaule，thatnight，wastowedthelaborer’sdaughter，andhadsummonedproudAlicePyncheontowaituponhisbride。Andsoshedid；andwhenthetwainwereone，Aliceawokeoutofherenchantedsleep。Yet，nolongerproud，——humbly，andwithasmileallsteepedinsadness，——shekissedMaule’swife，andwentherway。Itwasaninclementnight；thesoutheastwinddrovethemingledsnowandrainintoherthinlyshelteredbosom；hersatinslipperswerewetthroughandthrough，asshetrodthemuddysidewalks。Thenextdayacold；soon，asettledcough；anon，ahecticcheek，awastedform，thatsatbesidetheharpsichord，andfilledthehousewithmusic！
　　Musicinwhichastrainoftheheavenlychoristerswasechoed！Oh；
　　joyForAlicehadborneherlasthumiliation！Oh，greaterjoy！ForAlicewaspenitentofheroneearthlysin，andproudnomore！
　　ThePyncheonsmadeagreatfuneralforAlice。Thekithandkinwerethere，andthewholerespectabilityofthetownbesides。
　　But，lastintheprocession，cameMatthewMaule，gnashinghisteeth，asifhewouldhavebittenhisownheartintwain，——thedarkestandwofullestmanthateverwalkedbehindacorpse！HemeanttohumbleAlice，nottokillher；buthehadtakenawoman’sdelicatesoulintohisrudegripe，toplaywith——andshewasdead！
　　XIVPhoebe’sGood-ByHOLGRAVE，plungingintohistalewiththeenergyandabsorptionnaturaltoayoungauthor，hadgivenagooddealofactiontothepartscapableofbeingdevelopedandexemplifiedinthatmanner。Henowobservedthatacertainremarkabledrowsinesswhollyunlikethatwithwhichthereaderpossiblyfeelshimselfaffectedhadbeenflungoverthesensesofhisauditress。
　　Itwastheeffect，unquestionably，ofthemysticgesticulationsbywhichhehadsoughttobringbodilybeforePhoebe’sperceptionthefigureofthemesmerizingcarpenter。Withthelidsdroopingoverhereyes，——nowliftedforaninstant，anddrawndownagainaswithleadenweights，——sheleanedslightlytowardshim，andseemedalmosttoregulateherbreathbyhis。Holgravegazedather，asherolleduphismanuscript，andrecognizedanincipientstageofthatcuriouspsychologicalconditionwhich，ashehadhimselftoldPhoebe，hepossessedmorethananordinaryfacultyofproducing。Aveilwasbeginningtobemuffledabouther，inwhichshecouldbeholdonlyhim，andliveonlyinhisthoughtsandemotions。Hisglance，ashefasteneditontheyounggirl，grewinvoluntarilymoreconcentrated；inhisattitudetherewastheconsciousnessofpower，investinghishardlymaturefigurewithadignitythatdidnotbelongtoitsphysicalmanifestation。
　　Itwasevident，that，withbutonewaveofhishandandacorrespondingeffortofhiswill，hecouldcompletehismasteryoverPhoebe’syetfreeandvirginspirit:hecouldestablishaninfluenceoverthisgood，pure，andsimplechild，asdangerous，andperhapsasdisastrous，asthatwhichthecarpenterofhislegendhadacquiredandexercisedovertheill-fatedAlice。
　　ToadispositionlikeHolgrave’s，atoncespeculativeandactive，thereisnotemptationsogreatastheopportunityofacquiringempireoverthehumanspirit；noranyideamoreseductivetoayoungmanthantobecomethearbiterofayounggirl’sdestiny。Letus，therefore，——whateverhisdefectsofnatureandeducation，andinspiteofhisscornforcreedsandinstitutions，——concedetothedaguerreotypisttherareandhighqualityofreverenceforanother’sindividuality。Letusallowhimintegrity，also，foreveraftertobeconfidedin；sinceheforbadehimselftotwinethatonelinkmorewhichmighthaverenderedhisspelloverPhoebeindissoluble。
　　Hemadeaslightgestureupwardwithhishand。
　　"Youreallymortifyme，mydearMissPhoebe！"heexclaimed，smilinghalf-sarcasticallyather。"Mypoorstory，itisbuttooevident，willneverdoforGodeyorGraham！OnlythinkofyourfallingasleepatwhatIhopedthenewspapercriticswouldpronounceamostbrilliant，powerful，imaginative，pathetic，andoriginalwindingup！Well，themanuscriptmustservetolightlampswith；——if，indeed，beingsoimbuedwithmygentledulness，itisanylongercapableofflame！"
　　"Measleep！Howcanyousayso？"answeredPhoebe，asunconsciousofthecrisisthroughwhichshehadpassedasaninfantoftheprecipicetothevergeofwhichithasrolled。"No，no！Iconsidermyselfashavingbeenveryattentive；and，thoughIdon’tremembertheincidentsquitedistinctly，yetIhaveanimpressionofavastdealoftroubleandcalamity，——so，nodoubt，thestorywillproveexceedinglyattractive。"
　　Bythistimethesunhadgonedown，andwastintingthecloudstowardsthezenithwiththosebrighthueswhicharenotseenthereuntilsometimeaftersunset，andwhenthehorizonhasquitelostitsricherbrilliancy。Themoon，too，whichhadlongbeenclimbingoverhead，andunobtrusivelymeltingitsdiskintotheazure，——likeanambitiousdemagogue，whohideshisaspiringpurposebyassumingtheprevalenthueofpopularsentiment，——nowbegantoshineout，broadandoval，initsmiddlepathway。Thesesilverybeamswerealreadypowerfulenoughtochangethecharacterofthelingeringdaylight。Theysoftenedandembellishedtheaspectoftheoldhouse；althoughtheshadowsfelldeeperintotheanglesofitsmanygables，andlaybroodingundertheprojectingstory，andwithinthehalf-opendoor。Withthelapseofeverymoment，thegardengrewmorepicturesque；thefruit-trees，shrubbery，andflower-busheshadadarkobscurityamongthem。Thecommonplacecharacteristics——which，atnoontide，itseemedtohavetakenacenturyofsordidlifetoaccumulate——werenowtransfiguredbyacharmofromance。Ahundredmysteriousyearswerewhisperingamongtheleaves，whenevertheslightsea-breezefounditswaythitherandstirredthem。Throughthefoliagethatroofedthelittlesummer-housethemoonlightflickeredtoandfro，andfellsilverywhiteonthedarkfloor，thetable，andthecircularbench，withacontinualshiftandplay，accordingasthechinksandwaywardcrevicesamongthetwigsadmittedorshutouttheglimmer。
　　Sosweetlycoolwastheatmosphere，afterallthefeverishday，thatthesummerevemightbefanciedassprinklingdewsandliquidmoonlight，withadashoficytemperinthem，outofasilvervase。Hereandthere，afewdropsofthisfreshnesswerescatteredonahumanheart，andgaveityouthagain，andsympathywiththeeternalyouthofnature。Theartistchancedtobeoneonwhomtherevivinginfluencefell。Itmadehimfeel——whathesometimesalmostforgot，thrustsoearlyashehadbeenintotherudestruggleofmanwithman——howyouthfulhestillwas。
　　"Itseemstome，"heobserved，"thatIneverwatchedthecomingofsobeautifulaneve，andneverfeltanythingsoverymuchlikehappinessasatthismoment。Afterall，whatagoodworldwelivein！Howgood，andbeautiful！Howyoungitis，too，withnothingreallyrottenorage-worninit！Thisoldhouse，forexample，whichsometimeshaspositivelyoppressedmybreathwithitssmellofdecayingtimber！Andthisgarden，wheretheblackmouldalwaysclingstomyspade，asifIwereasextondelvinginagraveyard！CouldIkeepthefeelingthatnowpossessesme，thegardenwouldeverydaybevirginsoil，withtheearth’sfirstfreshnessintheflavorofitsbeansandsquashes；
　　andthehouse！——itwouldbelikeabowerinEden，blossomingwiththeearliestrosesthatGodevermade。Moonlight，andthesentimentinman’sheartresponsivetoit，arethegreatestofrenovatorsandreformers。Andallotherreformandrenovation，Isuppose，willprovetobenobetterthanmoonshine！"
　　"IhavebeenhappierthanIamnow；atleast，muchgayer，"saidPhoebethoughtfully。"YetIamsensibleofagreatcharminthisbrighteningmoonlight；andIlovetowatchhowtheday，tiredasitis，lagsawayreluctantly，andhatestobecalledyesterdaysosoon。Inevercaredmuchaboutmoonlightbefore。Whatisthere，Iwonder，sobeautifulinit，to-night？"
　　"Andyouhaveneverfeltitbefore？"inquiredtheartist，lookingearnestlyatthegirlthroughthetwilight。
　　"Never，"answeredPhoebe；"andlifedoesnotlookthesame，nowthatIhavefeltitso。ItseemsasifIhadlookedateverything，hitherto，inbroaddaylight，orelseintheruddylightofacheerfulfire，glimmeringanddancingthrougharoom。Ah，poorme！"sheadded，withahalf-melancholylaugh。"IshallneverbesomerryasbeforeIknewCousinHepzibahandpoorCousinClifford。Ihavegrownagreatdealolder，inthislittletime。
　　Older，and，Ihope，wiser，and，——notexactlysadder，——but，certainly，withnothalfsomuchlightnessinmyspirits！Ihavegiventhemmysunshine，andhavebeengladtogiveit；but，ofcourse，I
　　cannotbothgiveandkeepit。Theyarewelcome，notwithstanding！"
　　"Youhavelostnothing，Phoebe，worthkeeping，norwhichitwaspossibletokeep，"saidHolgraveafterapause。"Ourfirstyouthisofnovalue；forweareneverconsciousofituntilafteritisgone。Butsometimes——always，Isuspect，unlessoneisexceedinglyunfortunate——therecomesasenseofsecondyouth，gushingoutoftheheart’sjoyatbeinginlove；or，possibly，itmaycometocrownsomeothergrandfestivalinlife，ifanyothersuchtherebe。Thisbemoaningofone’sselfasyoudonowoverthefirst，careless，shallowgayetyofyouthdeparted，andthisprofoundhappinessatyouthregained，——somuchdeeperandricherthanthatwelost，——areessentialtothesoul’sdevelopment。Insomecases，thetwostatescomealmostsimultaneously，andminglethesadnessandtheraptureinonemysteriousemotion。"
　　"IhardlythinkIunderstandyou，"saidPhoebe。
　　"Nowonder，"repliedHolgrave，smiling；"forIhavetoldyouasecretwhichIhardlybegantoknowbeforeIfoundmyselfgivingitutterance。rememberit，however；andwhenthetruthbecomescleartoyou，thenthinkofthismoonlightscene！"
　　"Itisentirelymoonlightnow，exceptonlyalittleflushoffaintcrimson，upwardfromthewest，betweenthosebuildings，"
　　remarkedPhoebe。"Imustgoin。CousinHepzibahisnotquickatfigures，andwillgiveherselfaheadacheovertheday’saccounts，unlessIhelpher。"
　　ButHolgravedetainedheralittlelonger。
　　"MissHepzibahtellsme，"observedhe，"thatyoureturntothecountryinafewdays。"
　　"Yes，butonlyforalittlewhile，"answeredPhoebe；"forIlookuponthisasmypresenthome。Igotomakeafewarrangements，andtotakeamoredeliberateleaveofmymotherandfriends。
　　Itispleasanttolivewhereoneismuchdesiredandveryuseful；
　　andIthinkImayhavethesatisfactionoffeelingmyselfsohere。"
　　"Yousurelymay，andmorethanyouimagine，"saidtheartist。
　　"Whateverhealth，comfort，andnaturallifeexistsinthehouseisembodiedinyourperson。Theseblessingscamealongwithyou，andwillvanishwhenyouleavethethreshold。MissHepzibah，bysecludingherselffromsociety，haslostalltruerelationwithit，andis，infact，dead；althoughshegalvanizesherselfintoasemblanceoflife，andstandsbehindhercounter，afflictingtheworldwithagreatly-to-be-deprecatedscowl。YourpoorcousinCliffordisanotherdeadandlong-buriedperson，onwhomthegovernorandcouncilhavewroughtanecromanticmiracle。
　　Ishouldnotwonderifheweretocrumbleaway，somemorning，afteryouaregone，andnothingbeseenofhimmore，exceptaheapofdust。MissHepzibah，atanyrate，willlosewhatlittleflexibilityshehas。Theybothexistbyyou。"
　　"Ishouldbeverysorrytothinkso，"answeredPhoebegravely。
　　"Butitistruethatmysmallabilitieswerepreciselywhattheyneeded；andIhavearealinterestintheirwelfare，——anoddkindofmotherlysentiment，——whichIwishyouwouldnotlaughat！
　　Andletmetellyoufrankly，Mr。Holgrave，Iamsometimespuzzledtoknowwhetheryouwishthemwellorill。"
　　"Undoubtedly，"saidthedaguerreotypist，"Idofeelaninterestinthisantiquated，poverty-strickenoldmaidenlady，andthisdegradedandshatteredgentleman，——thisabortiveloverofthebeautiful。Akindlyinterest，too，helplessoldchildrenthattheyare！Butyouhavenoconceptionwhatadifferentkindofheartmineisfromyourown。Itisnotmyimpulse，asregardsthesetwoindividuals，eithertohelporhinder；buttolookon，toanalyze，toexplainmatterstomyself，andtocomprehendthedramawhich，foralmosttwohundredyears，hasbeendraggingitsslowlengthoverthegroundwhereyouandInowtread。Ifpermittedtowitnesstheclose，Idoubtnottoderiveamoralsatisfactionfromit，gomattershowtheymay。Thereisaconvictionwithinmethattheenddrawsnigh。But，thoughProvidencesentyouhithertohelp，andsendsmeonlyasaprivilegedandmeetspectator，IpledgemyselftolendtheseunfortunatebeingswhateveraidIcan！"
　　"Iwishyouwouldspeakmoreplainly，"criedPhoebe，perplexedanddispleased；"and，aboveall，thatyouwouldfeelmorelikeaChristianandahumanbeing！Howisitpossibletoseepeopleindistresswithoutdesiring，morethananythingelse，tohelpandcomfortthem？Youtalkasifthisoldhousewereatheatre；
　　andyouseemtolookatHepzibah’sandClifford’smisfortunes，andthoseofgenerationsbeforethem，asatragedy，suchasI
　　haveseenactedinthehallofacountryhotel，onlythepresentoneappearstobeplayedexclusivelyforyouramusement。Idonotlikethis。Theplaycoststheperformerstoomuch，andtheaudienceistoocold-hearted。"
　　"Youaresevere，"saidHolgrave，compelledtorecognizeadegreeoftruthinthepiquantsketchofhisownmood。
　　"Andthen，"continuedPhoebe，"whatcanyoumeanbyyourconviction，whichyoutellmeof，thattheendisdrawingnear？
　　Doyouknowofanynewtroublehangingovermypoorrelatives？Ifso，tellmeatonce，andIwillnotleavethem！"
　　"Forgiveme，Phoebe！"saidthedaguerreotypist，holdingouthishand，towhichthegirlwasconstrainedtoyieldherown。"Iamsomewhatofamystic，itmustbeconfessed。Thetendencyisinmyblood，togetherwiththefacultyofmesmerism，whichmighthavebroughtmetoGallowsHill，inthegoodoldtimesofwitchcraft。
　　Believeme，ifIwerereallyawareofanysecret，thedisclosureofwhichwouldbenefityourfriends，——whoaremyownfriends，likewise，——youshouldlearnitbeforewepart。ButIhavenosuchknowledge。"
　　"Youholdsomethingback！"saidPhoebe。
　　"Nothing，——nosecretsbutmyown，"answeredHolgrave。"Icanperceive，indeed，thatJudgePyncheonstillkeepshiseyeonClifford，inwhoseruinhehadsolargeashare。Hismotivesandintentions，howeverareamysterytome。Heisadeterminedandrelentlessman，withthegenuinecharacterofaninquisitor；
　　andhadheanyobjecttogainbyputtingCliffordtotherack，Iverilybelievethathewouldwrenchhisjointsfromtheirsockets，inordertoaccomplishit。But，sowealthyandeminentasheis，——sopowerfulinhisownstrength，andinthesupportofsocietyonallsides，——whatcanJudgePyncheonhavetohopeorfearfromtheimbecile，branded，half-torpidClifford？"
　　"Yet，"urgedPhoebe，"youdidspeakasifmisfortunewereimpending！"
　　"Oh，thatwasbecauseIammorbid！"repliedtheartist。"Mymindhasatwistaside，likealmosteverybody’smind，exceptyourown。
　　Moreover，itissostrangetofindmyselfaninmateofthisoldPyncheonHouse，andsittinginthisoldgarden——hark，howMaule’swellismurmuring！——that，wereitonlyforthisonecircumstance，IcannothelpfancyingthatDestinyisarrangingitsfifthactforacatastrophe。"
　　"There。"criedPhoebewithrenewedvexation；forshewasbynatureashostiletomysteryasthesunshinetoadarkcorner。
　　"Youpuzzlememorethanever！"
　　"Thenletuspartfriends！"saidHolgrave，pressingherhand。"Or，ifnotfriends，letuspartbeforeyouentirelyhateme。You，wholoveeverybodyelseintheworld！"
　　"Good-by，then，"saidPhoebefrankly。"Idonotmeantobeangryagreatwhile，andshouldbesorrytohaveyouthinkso。TherehasCousinHepzibahbeenstandingintheshadowofthedoorway，thisquarterofanhourpast！ShethinksIstaytoolonginthedampgarden。So，good-night，andgood-by。"
　　Onthesecondmorningthereafter，Phoebemighthavebeenseen，inherstrawbonnet，withashawlononearmandalittlecarpet-bagontheother，biddingadieutoHepzibahandCousinClifford。Shewastotakeaseatinthenexttrainofcars，whichwouldtransporthertowithinhalfadozenmilesofhercountryvillage。
　　ThetearswereinPhoebe’seyes；asmile，dewywithaffectionateregret，wasglimmeringaroundherpleasantmouth。Shewonderedhowitcametopass，thatherlifeofafewweeks，hereinthisheavy-heartedoldmansion，hadtakensuchholdofher，andsomeltedintoherassociations，asnowtoseemamoreimportantcentre-pointofremembrancethanallwhichhadgonebefore。
　　HowhadHepzibah——grim，silent，andirresponsivetoheroverflowofcordialsentiment——contrivedtowinsomuchlove？AndClifford，——inhisabortivedecay，withthemysteryoffearfulcrimeuponhim，andthecloseprison-atmosphereyetlurkinginhisbreath，——howhadhetransformedhimselfintothesimplestchild，whomPhoebefeltboundtowatchover，andbe，asitwere，theprovidenceofhisunconsideredhours！Everything，atthatinstantoffarewell，stoodoutprominentlytoherview。Lookwhereshewould，layherhandonwhatshemight，theobjectrespondedtoherconsciousness，asifamoisthumanheartwereinit。
　　Shepeepedfromthewindowintothegarden，andfeltherselfmoreregretfulatleavingthisspotofblackearth，vitiatedwithsuchanage-longgrowthofweeds，thanjoyfulattheideaofagainscentingherpineforestsandfreshclover-fields。ShecalledChanticleer，histwowives，andthevenerablechicken，andthrewthemsomecrumbsofbreadfromthebreakfast-table。Thesebeinghastilygobbledup，thechickenspreaditswings，andalightedclosebyPhoebeonthewindow-sill，whereitlookedgravelyintoherfaceandventeditsemotionsinacroak。Phoebebadeitbeagoodoldchickenduringherabsence，andpromisedtobringitalittlebagofbuckwheat。
　　"Ah，Phoebe！"remarkedHepzibah，"youdonotsmilesonaturallyaswhenyoucametous！Then，thesmilechosetoshineout；now，youchooseitshould。Itiswellthatyouaregoingback，foralittlewhile，intoyournativeair。Therehasbeentoomuchweightonyourspirits。Thehouseistoogloomyandlonesome；
　　theshopisfullofvexations；andasforme，Ihavenofacultyofmakingthingslookbrighterthantheyare。DearCliffordhasbeenyouronlycomfort！"
　　"Comehither，Phoebe，"suddenlycriedhercousinClifford，whohadsaidverylittleallthemorning。"Close！——closer！——andlookmeintheface！"
　　Phoebeputoneofhersmallhandsoneachelbowofhischair，andleanedherfacetowardshim，sothathemightperuseitascarefullyashewould。Itisprobablethatthelatentemotionsofthispartinghourhadrevived，insomedegree，hisbedimmedandenfeebledfaculties。
　　Atanyrate，Phoebesoonfeltthat，ifnottheprofoundinsightofaseer，yetamorethanfemininedelicacyofappreciation，wasmakingherheartthesubjectofitsregard。Amomentbefore，shehadknownnothingwhichshewouldhavesoughttohide。Now，asifsomesecretwerehintedtoherownconsciousnessthroughthemediumofanother’sperception，shewasfaintolethereyelidsdroopbeneathClifford’sgaze。Ablush，too，——theredder，becauseshestrovehardtokeepitdown，——ascendedbiggerandhigher，inatideoffitfulprogress，untilevenherbrowwasallsuffusedwithit。
　　"Itisenough，Phoebe，"saidClifford，withamelancholysmile。
　　"WhenIfirstsawyou，youweretheprettiestlittlemaidenintheworld；andnowyouhavedeepenedintobeauty。Girlhoodhaspassedintowomanhood；thebudisabloom！Go，now——IfeellonelierthanIdid。"
　　Phoebetookleaveofthedesolatecouple，andpassedthroughtheshop，twinklinghereyelidstoshakeoffadew-drop；for——consideringhowbriefherabsencewastobe，andthereforethefollyofbeingcastdownaboutit——shewouldnotsofaracknowledgehertearsastodrythemwithherhandkerchief。Onthedoorstep，shemetthelittleurchinwhosemarvellousfeatsofgastronomyhavebeenrecordedintheearlierpagesofournarrative。Shetookfromthewindowsomespecimenorotherofnaturalhistory，——hereyesbeingtoodimwithmoisturetoinformheraccuratelywhetheritwasarabbitorahippopotamus，——putitintothechild’shandasapartinggift，andwentherway。OldUncleVennerwasjustcomingoutofhisdoor，withawood-horseandsawonhisshoulder；and，trudgingalongthestreet，hescruplednottokeepcompanywithPhoebe，sofarastheirpathslaytogether；nor，inspiteofhispatchedcoatandrustybeaver，andthecuriousfashionofhistow-clothtrousers，couldshefinditinherhearttooutwalkhim。
　　"Weshallmissyou，nextSabbathafternoon，"observedthestreetphilosopher。"Itisunaccountablehowlittlewhileittakessomefolkstogrowjustasnaturaltoamanashisownbreath；and，beggingyourpardon，MissPhoebethoughtherecanbenooffenceinanoldman’ssayingit，that’sjustwhatyou’vegrowntome！
　　Myyearshavebeenagreatmany，andyourlifeisbutjustbeginning；andyet，youaresomehowasfamiliartomeasifI
　　hadfoundyouatmymother’sdoor，andyouhadblossomed，likearunningvine，allalongmypathwaysince。Comebacksoon，orIshallbegonetomyfarm；forIbegintofindthesewood-sawingjobsalittletootoughformyback-ache。"
　　"Verysoon，UncleVenner，"repliedPhoebe。
　　"Andletitbeallthesooner，Phoebe，forthesakeofthosepoorsoulsyonder，"continuedhercompanion。"Theycanneverdowithoutyou，now，——never，Phoebe；never——nomorethanifoneofGod’sangelshadbeenlivingwiththem，andmakingtheirdismalhousepleasantandcomfortable！Don’titseemtoyouthey’dbeinasadcase，if，somepleasantsummermorninglikethis，theangelshouldspreadhiswings，andflytotheplacehecamefrom？Well，justsotheyfeel，nowthatyou’regoinghomebytherailroad！
　　Theycan’tbearit，MissPhoebe；sobesuretocomeback！"
　　"Iamnoangel，UncleVenner，"saidPhoebe，smiling，assheofferedhimherhandatthestreet-corner。"But，Isuppose，peopleneverfeelsomuchlikeangelsaswhentheyaredoingwhatlittlegoodtheymay。SoIshallcertainlycomeback！"
　　Thuspartedtheoldmanandtherosygirl；andPhoebetookthewingsofthemorning，andwassoonflittingalmostasrapidlyawayasifendowedwiththeaeriallocomotionoftheangelstowhomUncleVennerhadsograciouslycomparedher。
　　XVTheScowlandSmileSEVERALdayspassedovertheSevenGables，heavilyanddrearilyenough。InfactnottoattributethewholegloomofskyandearthtotheoneinauspiciouscircumstanceofPhoebe’sdeparture，aneasterlystormhadsetin，andindefatigablyapplyitselftothetaskofmakingtheblackroofandwallsoftheoldhouselookmorecheerlessthaneverbefore。Yetwastheoutsidenothalfsocheerlessastheinterior。PoorCliffordwascutoff，atonce，fromallhisscantyresourcesofenjoyment。Phoebewasnotthere；
　　nordidthesunshinefalluponthefloor。Thegarden，withitsmuddywalks，andthechill，drippingfoliageofitssummer-house，wasanimagetobeshudderedat。Nothingflourishedinthecold，moist，pitilessatmosphere，driftingwiththebrackishscudofsea-breezes，exceptthemossalongthejointsoftheshingle-roof，andthegreatbunchofweeds，thathadlatelybeensufferingfromdrought，intheanglebetweenthetwofrontgables。
　　AsforHepzibah，sheseemednotmerelypossessedwiththeeastwind，buttobe，inherveryperson，onlyanotherphaseofthisgrayandsullenspellofweather；theeastwinditself，grimanddisconsolate，inarustyblacksilkgown，andwithaturbanofcloud-wreathsonitshead。Thecustomoftheshopfelloff，becauseastorygotabroadthatshesouredhersmallbeerandotherdamageablecommodities，byscowlingonthem。Itis，perhaps，truethatthepublichadsomethingreasonablytocomplainofinherdeportment；buttowardsCliffordshewasneitherill-temperednorunkind，norfeltlesswarmthofheartthanalways，haditbeenpossibletomakeitreachhim。Theinutilityofherbestefforts，however，palsiedthepooroldgentlewoman。Shecoulddolittleelsethansitsilentlyinacorneroftheroom，whenthewetpear-treebranches，sweepingacrossthesmallwindows，createdanoon-daydusk，whichHepzibahunconsciouslydarkenedwithherwoe-begoneaspect。ItwasnofaultofHepzibah’s。Everything——eventheoldchairsandtables，thathadknownwhatweatherwasforthreeorfoursuchlifetimesasherown——lookedasdampandchillasifthepresentweretheirworstexperience。ThepictureofthePuritanColonelshiveredonthewall。Thehouseitselfshivered，fromeveryatticofitssevengablesdowntothegreatkitchenfireplace，whichservedallthebetterasanemblemofthemansion’sheart，because，thoughbuiltforwarmth，itwasnowsocomfortlessandempty。
　　Hepzibahattemptedtoenlivenmattersbyafireintheparlor。
　　Butthestormdemonkeptwatchabove，and，wheneveraflamewaskindled，drovethesmokebackagain，chokingthechimney’ssootythroatwithitsownbreath。Nevertheless，duringfourdaysofthismiserablestorm，Cliffordwrapthimselfinanoldcloak，andoccupiedhiscustomarychair。Onthemorningofthefifth，whensummonedtobreakfast，herespondedonlybyabroken-heartedmurmur，expressiveofadeterminationnottoleavehisbed。Hissistermadenoattempttochangehispurpose。Infact，entirelyasshelovedhim，Hepzibahcouldhardlyhaveborneanylongerthewretchedduty——soimpracticablebyherfewandrigidfaculties——ofseekingpastimeforastillsensitive，butruinedmind，criticalandfastidious，withoutforceorvolition。Itwasatleastsomethingshortofpositivedespair，thatto-dayshemightsitshiveringalone，andnotsuffercontinuallyanewgrief，andunreasonablepangofremorse，ateveryfitfulsighofherfellowsufferer。
　　ButClifford，itseemed，thoughhedidnotmakehisappearancebelowstairs，had，afterall，bestirredhimselfinquestofamusement。Inthecourseoftheforenoon，Hepzibahheardanoteofmusic，whichtherebeingnoothertunefulcontrivanceintheHouseoftheSevenGablessheknewmustproceedfromAlicePyncheon’sharpsichord。ShewasawarethatClifford，inhisyouth，hadpossessedacultivatedtasteformusic，andaconsiderabledegreeofskillinitspractice。Itwasdifficult，however，toconceiveofhisretaininganaccomplishmenttowhichdailyexerciseissoessential，inthemeasureindicatedbythesweet，airy，anddelicate，thoughmostmelancholystrain，thatnowstoleuponherear。Norwasitlessmarvellousthatthelong-silentinstrumentshouldbecapableofsomuchmelody。
　　Hepzibahinvoluntarilythoughtoftheghostlyharmonies，prelusiveofdeathinthefamily，whichwereattributedtothelegendaryAlice。Butitwas，perhaps，proofoftheagencyofotherthanspiritualfingers，that，afterafewtouches，thechordsseemedtosnapasunderwiththeirownvibrations，andthemusicceased。
　　Butaharshersoundsucceededtothemysteriousnotes；norwastheeasterlydayfatedtopasswithoutaneventsufficientinitselftopoison，forHepzibahandClifford，thebalmiestairthateverbroughtthehumming-birdsalongwithit。ThefinalechoesofAlicePyncheon’sperformanceorClifford’s，ifhiswemustconsideritweredrivenawaybynolessvulgaradissonancethantheringingoftheshop-bell。Afootwasheardscrapingitselfonthethreshold，andthencesomewhatponderouslysteppingonthefloor。Hepzibahdelayedamoment，whilemufflingherselfinafadedshawl，whichhadbeenherdefensivearmorinafortyyears’warfareagainsttheeastwind。Acharacteristicsound，however，——neitheracoughnorahem，butakindofrumblingandreverberatingspasminsomebody’scapaciousdepthofchest；——
　　impelledhertohurryforward，withthataspectoffiercefaint-heartednesssocommontowomenincasesofperilousemergency。Fewofhersex，onsuchoccasions，haveeverlookedsoterribleasourpoorscowlingHepzibah。Butthevisitorquietlyclosedtheshop-doorbehindhim，stooduphisumbrellaagainstthecounter，andturnedavisageofcomposedbenignity，tomeetthealarmandangerwhichhisappearancehadexcited。
　　Hepzibah’spresentimenthadnotdeceivedher。ItwasnootherthanJudgePyncheon，who，afterinvaintryingthefrontdoor，hadnoweffectedhisentranceintotheshop。
　　"Howdoyoudo，CousinHepzibah？——andhowdoesthismostinclementweatheraffectourpoorClifford？"begantheJudge；andwonderfulitseemed，indeed，thattheeasterlystormwasnotputtoshame，or，atanyrate，alittlemollified，bythegenialbenevolenceofhissmile。"Icouldnotrestwithoutcallingtoask，oncemore，whetherIcaninanymannerpromotehiscomfort，oryourown。"